The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement to release an additional 20,000 home care packages before 1 November 2025, with a further 20,000 by the end of December 2025, and the remaining packages scheduled from January 2026.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elder and Older People, where demand for aged care support is high and cultural safety is essential, this announcement provides urgently needed relief. NATSIAACC has consistently highlighted the risks of long wait times, particularly for Elders and Older People who are living with multiple health conditions and rely on care to remain strong, independent, and connected to culture, Country/Island Home and community.

NATSIAACC Acting CEO, Cassara Hardie, said “This announcement is especially important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People, who too often face the longest waits and the greatest barriers to accessing aged care support. Our people need care that is timely, culturally safe, and on Country/Island Home or close to home.

The release of these home care packages is not just about numbers — it is about dignity, safety, and keeping our Elders and Older People connected to family, culture, and Country/Island Home. We thank the Government for listening to the sector and acting on the importance of this release, but we must also continue working together to reduce wait times so our Elders and Older People can access the aged care services they need and deserve.

NATSIAACC will continue working with Government, stakeholders, and providers to make sure these packages are accessible to our communities and delivered in a way that respects our cultural values.”

 

Media Enquiries:
For media enquiries, please contact info@natsiaacc.org.au.

About NATSIAACC:
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care. NATSIAACC works to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People can access support and care that is culturally safe, trauma-aware and healing informed, and recognises the importance of their personal connections to Community, Country and/or Island Home.